Sightseeing Entry

St Paul’s Church Hall, Canterbury, CT1 1NH

ALL welcome – rusty singers included!

Turn up for a cuppa and a biscuit, followed by sociable singing to put a smile on your face, led by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, and our Choral Scholars.

Please join us between 14:00-15:00 on the following Mondays:

• 13 October 2025
• 10 November 2025
• 8 December 2025
• 12 January 2026
• 9 February 2026

Plus more dates scheduled in 2026

Free to attend but donations welcomed.

All welcome. No need to book.

Organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No 1210093).

WEEKLY on a Thursday (please check dates), 16:30-17:00

Join us after visiting hours for a short guided pilgrimage around the Cathedral, stopping at places of significance for reflection and prayer.

Torin Brown, our Pilgrim Officer, will lead a pilgrimage around the outside of the Cathedral, visiting places of symbolism and structures of meaning, to reflect upon our lives and our world. It is a pilgrimage of prayerful intent.

We will walk in silence between reflections of meaning, in an exercise of mindfulness, and in preparation for the evening service.

All are welcome to join us afterwards for our evening service at 17:30, followed by a blessing for those who wish to attend.

Free to attend; but donations gratefully received.

Please join us for our monthly film screenings in the Cathedral Lodge AV Room.

Films start at 14:00.

12 October Pan's Labyrinth (2006) | 15

9 November The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943) | U

14 December Past Lives (2023) | 12

11 January 2026 EO (2022) | 15

The first rule of Film Club, is that there is no charge for Film Club...(but any donations are gratefully received!)

Dates in September - December

Join us for our step-free tours, delivered at a gentle pace, in a smaller group; split into two parts, with a comport break.

Hear the story of Thomas Becket, our most famous Archbishop, and see the site of his murder and feast your eyes on some of our oldest stained glass windows.

Explore the Quire and a ‘Cadaver tomb’, contrast medieval and dramatic modern windows and find out why there is a cannonball in an Archbishop’s tomb!

Dates:

• Thursday 18 September, between 14:15-16:00
• Thursdays 2, 16 & 30 October, between 14:15-16:00
• Thursdays 13 & 27 November, between 14:15-16:00
• Thursday 11 December, between 14:15-16:00

£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.

Mondays, during choir term time (see dates), 12:30-13:00 in the Crypt

The worship of Taizé is based on simple repetitive chants, the reading of scripture and silence.

All are welcome to come and experience this way of praying as we connect with God and one another through sound and silence.

In person only.

Free to attend; but donations gratefully accepted.

Dates in September - November (New dates added regularly)

Discover the strong bond that Canterbury Cathedral has with the United States.

This is the story of centuries of friendship across the Atlantic.

Dates:

• Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Mon 13 October, 11:15-12:30
• Fri 24 October, 11:15-12:30
• Veterans Day: Tues 11 November, 11:15-12:30
• Thanksgiving: Thurs 27 November, 11:15-12:30

£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.

Dates in October - December

Our Cathedral Library collection includes books from the early decades of printing onwards, including books from some of the earliest European printing presses.

Join a guided tour to learn more about the Library and to explore some of the collection close-up.

Dates:

• Thursday 9 October, 14:00-14:45
• Thursday 13 November, 14:00-14:45
• Thursday 4 December, 14:00-14:45

£8 per person. Cathedral admission not included.

Pre-booking required. Not suitable for under 12s.

The First Public Theology Lecture in the New Series of Michael Ramsey Events

Speaker: Revd Prof Jonathan Arnold, Michael Ramsey Chair of Faith, Culture and the Arts, Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries, University of Kent

This lecture is the first in an annual series of Michael Ramsey lectures and events, with guest speakers prominent in the fields of theology, the arts, culture and social action.

Ten sessions over 13 weeks (between 9 September – 2 December)

on Tuesdays, 20:00-21:00 GMT via Zoom

Among the mystics, St Teresa of Avila holds a unique position as a witness to divine realities. Her common sense, humour, and penchant for everyday images liven her writings; but she is above all remarkable for her analytical abilities in proving the mystery of God’s workings in the soul.

Join Canon Emma online to reflect and discuss this text.

The group is free, but donations are gratefully received.

Booking essential - Book your space to be sent a Zoom link.

Between 12 - 21 September

Every September, thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate the country’s fantastic history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.

SOLD OUT

Friday 3 October, 18:30-20:00

Discover the Cathedral when it is closed to the public, on an exclusive guided tour taken ‘out of hours’ led by one of our expert guides, who will share many fascinating stories with you.

This tour is perfect for history lovers and those seeking a unique way to enjoy the Cathedral - book your exclusive evening tour now and look forward to an truly special experience.

£40 per person. Pre-booking required.

Tuesday 7 October, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

Standing in the Nave of a cathedral, it is hard not to wonder how ordinary human beings could have created sky-scraping, dizzyingly high buildings on which even the top-most parts were delicately decorated, in an age before even the simplest of power tools.

Speaker Imogen Corrigan will tell us the story of the men who built the cathedrals of the medieval era: who they were, how they lived and how with the simplest of hand tools they created the astonishing buildings that hundreds of years later still stand as monuments to their ingenuity and skill.

£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

Tuesday 14 October, 11:00-12:30 in the Conservation Studio

A rare chance to see behind the scenes of the Archives and Library, in our conservation and bookbinding studio.

Learn about the skills and techniques required to repair fragile paper, parchment, bindings and seals, and view some fine and rare examples of bindings from our collections.

£25 per person. Cathedral admission not included.

Pre-booking required; not suitable for under 18s.

Regrettably, due to the location, this tour is not wheelchair accessible, and is not suitable for those with limited mobility.

at Canterbury Cathedral

- COMING SOON -

17 October 2025 – 18 January 2026

A unique collaboration between poet Alex Vellis, curator Jacquiline Creswell, and marginalised communities.

Through graffiti-style displays within the Cathedral, participants pose personal questions to God, merging contemporary inquiries with ancient architecture.

The project highlights graffiti as a means of reclaiming public spaces, preserving cultural heritage, and affirming identity.

By blending traditional and innovative elements, "Hear Us" explores the dynamic interaction between faith, art, and community, offering participants a platform for creative expression and self-discovery in a sacred setting.

*This exhibition is free to view with a Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends' Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).

Image: CGI pre-exhibition image

Saturday 18 October, 19:30 at Canterbury Cathedral

One of the world’s most renowned choral ensembles, The Sixteen return to Canterbury Festival with a powerful exploration of the music of Arvo Pärt and William Byrd in this, Pärt’s 90th year.

Whilst from very different eras, both composers are considered masters of sacred music, despite having faced considerable persecution for their work.

The Sixteen bring their tonal warmth, rhythmic precision and immaculate intonation to over five centuries of music, under the direction of founder and conductor Harry Christophers CBE.

Tickets range: £15-£34

Sponsored by Furley Page Solicitors

Friday 24 & Saturday 25 October

Venue: Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2EH

Celebrating craft beer at it’s best, this festival hosted by Time & Tide Brewing is now in it’s second year.

The event takes place in Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, situated within the stunning grounds of Canterbury Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and less than an hour by train from London.

Time & Tide are shining a spotlight on some of the country’s most exciting breweries, showcasing the best that independent craft beer has to offer. A selection of beers ranging from hoppy IPA’s to sours, low alcohol and imperial stouts will be available, with some wild fermentation options thrown in for good measure.

Delicious street food will also be available (with a focus on quality and local produce).

Tickets: £25 per person

Various events 25 - 31 October

This October half term, challenge your group to a game of mini golf in the magnificent Cathedral Chapter House, complete Gregory and Peti's Pilgrim Trail, and discover 1,400 years of history on a FREE* family tour!

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.

Saturday 25 October, 19:30 at Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Choral Society present two of the greatest composers of choral music in the grand setting of Canterbury Cathedral.

Joseph Haydn was overwhelmed on hearing a performance of Handel’s Messiah, a work which eventually inspired him to write his masterpiece The Creation. But with all the imagination which he brought to that great work, his Missa in Angustiis (Mass in Time of Anguish), later renamed Nelson Mass on news of Nelson’s victory against Napoleon in Abukir Bay, surpassed even that with its climaxes of such telling splendour.

This concert illustrates Handel and Haydn at their peak, together with a sample of Handel’s greatest contemporary J.S. Bach with his triumphant trumpet Suite No.3 including the famous Air on a G string.

Tickets range: £15-£34

Sponsored by Fenwick Canterbury

Tuesday 28 October, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

We’ve all heard of Thomas Becket – or at least the dramatic events at the end of his life and the martyrdom and miracles that came afterward.

Cathedral Guide Maggie Price will speak about the early life and career of the man who will eternally be known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury. This is the first of two talks on Becket.

£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

Saturday 1 November, 19:30 at Canterbury Cathedral

Performed by the world-renowned Tallis Scholars under the direction of Peter Phillips, this festival finale programme celebrates one of the most fluent musical minds in the history of classical music, Orlando Gibbons, whose bust stands here in the Cathedral Nave.

With their unparalleled vocal clarity, The Tallis Scholars present five of Gibbons’ greatest sacred compositions, including the rarely performed, O Lord in thee is all my trust. The programme fans out to feature the colossal Te Deum from Tomkins' [Third Service (his Great Service), Tallis' equally fascinating setting of the same text, and two pieces by Thomas Weelkes.

Tickets range: £15-£34

The Tallis Scholars are ‘one of the UK’s greatest cultural exports’ (BBC Radio 3)

Image credit: Hugo Glendinning

with Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music

Friday 17 October, 18:15 in the Quire - after 17:30 Evensong

One in our series of informal organ recitals, featuring the Cathedral’s resident organists and guests.

Free and un-ticketed, with a retiring collection.

See recital programme in the monthly Services and Music List.

Friday 14 November, 18:15 in the Quire - after 17:30 Evensong

One in our series of informal organ recitals, featuring the Cathedral’s resident organists and guests.

Free and un-ticketed, with a retiring collection.

See recital programme in the monthly Services and Music List

Tuesday 18 November, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

Almost every visitor to Canterbury has been told a version of Becket’s murder – even if it is only the nursery rhyme, Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.

In the second of her talks, Cathedral Guide Maggie Price will explain what the effects of the aftershock of Becket’s demise meant for the church – in Rome as well as England – and also the citizens and Crown. Both immediately and for years after.

£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

Monday 24 November, 11:30-12:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

Since 597AD, there have been 105 Archbishops of Canterbury (ABCs) – the first being Saint Augustine.

The Church of England is currently involved in Project 106: the search for the next ABC. But who decides who will become the ArchBishop of Canterbury Designate/Elect?

In this exclusive talk, the Archdeacon of Canterbury, Will Adam, and Dean David will explain the processes that the Church of England and the Office of Crown Appointments have followed throughout 2025, and more.

£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

Festive Lunches
Throughout December (enquire for availability)

FOR GROUPS
Shared Festive Party Nights
Various dates in December
(enquire for availability)

New Year’s Eve Gala
Wednesday 31 December, 18:30 - 01:00

Pre-payment or a deposit will be taken at the time of booking Festive Lunches, Shared Festive Party Nights or New Year's Eve; this is non-refundable.

See full Christmas T&Cs on the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge website.

'Hope'

All are welcome to join us for our traditional services, carol services and special events, child-friendly activities, beautiful trees and decorations - plus the return of the Canterbury Christmas Market to the Precincts!

Our charity partner this Christmas will be Catching Lives (Charity No. 1014868), as we seek to raise the profile of their work, and to raise money as they support homeless people in and around Canterbury.

The miserly and cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge embarks upon a journey through his past, present, and future, learning along the way to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas.

A must-see theatrical festive treat for all the family, Dickens’ beloved tale of redemption is brought to the stage in Canterbury Cathedral's Nave in an authentic and joyful adaptation from Operation Moonlight. 

Tickets: from £16.65 (inc. booking fee)

Saturday 29 November, 10:00-16:00

An opportunity to find space for quiet and reflection, before the countdown to Christmas, aligning with our Advent and Christmas theme for this year - ‘Hope’.

The day will include three talks, accompanied by quiet times in some of the loveliest and least-known Cathedral chapels.

£12 per person; with free Cathedral entry.

Booking essential, as spaces are limited.

Those in receipt of Universal Credit or with refugee status are welcome to attend this quiet day for free (upon verification of status) - enquire via email to book for free.

Saturday 29 November, 10:00-16:00 in the Community Studio

Embroider a beautiful festive robin motif, with Royal School of Needlework tutor, Kathryn Sanders - a new and exclusive design and class, inspired by the original James I Charter issued in 1608.

There will also be an opportunity to visit the Cathedral Archives to enjoy a brief curated viewing of the original Charter; an exquisite illuminated document of historic significance.

This exclusive partnership class is part of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral’s unique association with the Royal School of Needlework, dating back to the 1930s.

- SOLD OUT -

Wait list only - Register on the RSN event page

The class cost is £175 per student and includes all materials and necessary equipment to complete the project.

Tuesday 2 December, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

Brenda Tate-Lovery, a former Open University lecturer, will explore interpretations of Angels and Demons, depicted in art since the earliest times; looking at how different generations of artists have interpreted them, from 5th Century to modern day, in the context of belief and practice.

In the vivid imaginations of artists, we will explore how these spiritual beings have become actors in storytelling, stimulating emotional reactions, from fear to humour.

£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

at Canterbury Cathedral

Saturdays 6, 13 & 20 December, 14:00-15:00

Join Deborah Hart, from TinyTalk Kent Downs, for family-friendly storytelling at Canterbury Cathedral - included FREE with admission*!

Drop-in sessions; no need to book.

* Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply; does not apply to group bookings or school visits).

Saturday 13 December, 10:00-10:45 & 12:45-13:30 in the Eastern Crypt

Sing, play and move to stories and songs all about Jesus' Birthday - the story of Christmas.

Children (and adults) are invited to come dressed as their favourite Nativity character (if they wish!) or in their best party outfits - it is a birthday we're celebrating after all!

This activity is aimed at Primary School aged children (0-11).

Drop-in activity; no need to book.

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.

Friday 9 January 2026, 19:30-21:10 GMT

Cinema’s most iconic music performed by the Illuminated Orchestra, enhanced by a stunning light show!

Featuring music from Inception, Interstellar, Gladiator, Jurassic Park, E.T., James Bond, Lord of the Rings, Lion King, Star Wars, Titanic, and much more.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

“The music from the films I love performed by a live orchestra - truly amazing!!”

“An incredible show, a true spectacle”

"A wonderful evening with magical music"

"Being a long-time John Williams and Hans Zimmer fan, it was a dream come true to hear this music played live"

“First-class entertainment by first-class musicians”

Image © MEGA Events

Tuesday 20 January 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

As we eagerly await the temporary return of this 11th Century Romanesque masterpiece to the British Museum in London, Patricia Erskine-Hill will speak to Friends about this immensely detailed embroidery that was probably commissioned by Bishop Odo, William the Conqueror’s half-brother, to embellish his newly-built cathedral in Bayeux in 1077.

Over 58 scenes, which include 626 characters and 202 horses, the story shown in the textile begins in 1064 and ends with the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

- BOOKING OPENS SOON -

£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

Image: Bayeux tapestry design product © Cathedral Gifts Enterprises

Tuesday 3 February 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

Your chance to be entertained by the Cathedral’s Choral Scholars whilst enjoying coffee and pastries.

This informal concert will showcase the progress and repertoire of the Scholars who joined the Cathedral in September 2025.

Expect a warm welcome and a mixed musical medley on a chilly Tuesday morning!

Tickets: £10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 256575).

Tuesday 10 February 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

Popular speaker Doreen Rosman will continue her series of talks about the history of Canterbury.

A boy born in 1825, who survived into the 20th Century, would have lived through a time of major technological change: the coming of railways, gas and electric lighting, telephones and cinemas, bicycles, cars, and even an aeroplane.

This talk explores how these developments would have impacted on his life, and how the city changed before his eyes. Doreen Rosman taught history at the University of Kent. Her publications include, Canterbury: A History since 1500, the story of a city and its people.

£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

Tuesday 24 February 2026, 14:00-15:00 in the Eastern Crypt

We are delighted to welcome the return of the Rev’d Dr Jonathan Arnold, Executive Director of the Social Justice Network and Lay Clerk, and Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, who will perform Schubert’s song cycle, Winter’s Journey.

The lyrics tell the rather sad story of a man unhappy in love who leaves his lover to wander in the ice and snow and reflect upon his human condition.

The songs, which will be in the original German, will be interspersed with readings of their English translations by our Canon Missioner, the Rev’d Dr Emma Pennington.

£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

Tuesday 10 March 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

We are delighted to welcome back Canon Christopher Irvine, former Canon Librarian at Canterbury and now Honorary Teaching Fellow at St Augustine's College of Theology, to speak to us.

In this illustrated talk, Canon Irvine will lead us on a visual journey of discovery and show us how and why the world of nature is brought into our Cathedral through stone carving, wooden sculpture, and, surprisingly, even stained glass!

£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

Friday 20 March 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

In this talk given by Patricia Erskine-Hill, attendees will find out more about this extraordinary woman who asserted her power over Russia.

Catherine II, best known as Catherine the Great, was the Empress of Russia from 1762-1796. Born Princess Sophia Augusta Frederica of Anhalt-Zerbst (Prussia), she came to power after over-throwing her husband Peter III.

Catherine influenced the arts, established the first state-funded higher education institute for women in Europe, built new cities and towns, and brought recognition to Russia as one of the great powers of Europe.

£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

Tuesday 28 April 2026, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

Join John Williams as he once more wanders along the highways and lesser-known byways of early Christian Rome, delving into its outstanding archaeology and art history.

Peeling away the rich layers of meaning of structures, mosaics, frescoes, and everyday objects, he will reflect on the interplay between the Rome of Emperors and the evolving religion of Christianity.

A Trustee of The Friends for eight years to September 2025, Dr Williams was for a long time County Archaeologist and Head of Heritage Conservation at Kent County Council.

£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

Saturday 30 May 2026, 18:00-19:00 in the Nave

Join us in The Nave of Canterbury Cathedral as we welcome the return of The Central Band of The Royal British Legion for a sensational and heart-stirring concert featuring songs from the shows and military music.

Tickets: Children (up to 12) £10, Adults £25

- BOOKING OPENS SOON -

Tickets will available to purchase on the Canterbury Festival website or via the Canterbury Festival Box Office.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).

Tuesday 16 June 2026, 14:30-15:30 in the Clagett Auditorium

Doreen Rosman returns for a final talk in her series about the history of Canterbury, focusing on one person's experience to evoke what it would have been like to live through this period of tumultuous change.

Doreen Rosman taught history at the University of Kent. Her publications include, Canterbury: A History since 1500, the story of a city and its people.

£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral; £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee on arrival.

This event is organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 1210093).